When Will Jesus Show Up?

Ever wonder, "When will Jesus show up?"  When you are in the midst of crisis, confusion, conflict, anxiety, or even a life and death situation. . . if you had the wherewithal to ask, would you ask, "Where are you Jesus?  When are you going to show up here?"

Matthew 14:
^22-23As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.
 ^24-26Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror.
 ²⁷But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid."
 ²⁸Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water."
 ^29-30He said, "Come ahead."
   Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!"
 ³¹Jesus didn't hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?"
 ^32-33The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, "This is it! You are God's Son for sure!"
 ^34-36On return, they beached the boat at Gennesaret. When the people got wind that he was back, they sent out word through the neighborhood and rounded up all the sick, who asked for permission to touch the edge of his coat. And whoever touched him was healed.


First of all, I'm struck by how Jesus is still trying to get away for awhile to pray.  He was diverted from that desire in the previous passage as the crowds followed him on foot and he met their myriad needs, ultimately feeding 5,000 men plus women and children.  He is still trying to find a moment's peace to recharge, to connect with his father, to regroup his thoughts and emotions.  He did find some time as Matthew tells us he spent most of the evening and night there on that mountain.  Meanwhile the disciples are out on the boat that Jesus sent them on. . . and a big storm blows in as storms are want to do!  Matthew talks about the "battering" that happens out there in the water.  You've been battered too, haven't you?  Battered by grief, frustration, loneliness, sadness, lack of control over the things that you'd love to be in control of!  


So where is Jesus?  Where is he in the middle of all of this battering of our boats?  When is he ever going to show up?  


It seems to me that Jesus never shows up too early. . . and he never, ever, ever shows up too late. . . his timing is impeccable!  He always shows up right on time, just exactly when we need him, and oftentimes in the very moment when we think that he has forgotten us and that he won't show up.  And then he says to us, "Courage."  Believe.  Trust me.  Have a little faith.  Don't be afraid.  It's me, the one who loves you.  I'm right here.  


We might say to ourselves after each encounter with Jesus, the same words he said to his followers, "Faint of heart, what has gotten into you?"  We know it after the fact, don't we?  It's knowing it when we need to know it that is the growing edge of our faith.  It's trusting that Jesus most certainly will be there when the battering, bruising, life-threatening incidents come.  And they will.  

Jesus reaches down to grab our hand to pull us out of all that seeks to destroy us.  He shows up right when we need him.  I'd say there is no better news for us to hear this day or any day!  Thanks be to God! Amen.


Image credit: Eugene Delacroix "Jesus Calms the Sea"